New International VersionAbner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “For some time you have wanted to make David your king.
New Living TranslationMeanwhile, Abner had consulted with the elders of Israel. “For some time now,” he told them, “you have wanted to make David your king.
English Standard VersionAnd Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you.
Berean Standard BibleNow Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.
King James BibleAnd Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:
New King James VersionNow Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, “In time past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
New American Standard BibleNow Abner had a consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
NASB 1995Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
NASB 1977Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
Legacy Standard BibleNow Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
Amplified BibleAbner talked with the elders (tribal leaders) of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
Christian Standard BibleAbner conferred with the elders of Israel: “In the past you wanted David to be king over you.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAbner conferred with the elders of Israel: “In the past you wanted David to be king over you.
American Standard VersionAnd Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past ye sought for David to be king over you:
Contemporary English VersionAbner talked with the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, "You've wanted to make David your king for a long time now.
English Revised VersionAnd Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past ye sought for David to be king over you:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationMeanwhile, Abner sent the following message to the leaders of Israel: "For some time now you've wanted to make David your king.
Good News TranslationAbner went to the leaders of Israel and said to them, "For a long time you have wanted David to be your king.
International Standard VersionLater, Abner had a talk with the elders of Israel. He said, "In the past you were looking to see David made king over you.
NET BibleAbner advised the elders of Israel, "Previously you were wanting David to be your king.
New Heart English BibleAbner advised the elders of Israel, saying, "For some time you have wanted David to be king over you.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.
World English BibleAbner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the word of Abner was with [the] elderly of Israel, saying, “Thus far you have been seeking David for king over you,
Young's Literal Translation And the word of Abner was with the elders of Israel, saying, 'Heretofore ye have been seeking David for king over you,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd a word of Abner was with the old men of Israel, saying, Also yesterday also the third day ye were seeking David for king over you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAbner also spoke to the ancients of Israel, saying: Both yesterday and the day before you sought for David that he might reign over you.
Catholic Public Domain VersionLikewise, Abner sent word to the elders of Israel, saying: “As much yesterday as the day before, you were seeking David, so that he might reign over you.
New American BibleAbner then had a word with the elders of Israel: “For some time you have been wanting David as your king.
New Revised Standard VersionAbner sent word to the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying. You have sought for David in times past to be king over you;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the word of Abnir was with the Elders of Israel, and he said to them: “Even from yesterday and also from the day before yesterday, you wanted to have David reign over you OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying: 'In times past ye sought for David to be king over you;
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Abenner spoke to the elders of Israel, saying, In former days ye sought David to reign over you;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Abner Joins David… 16Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home. 17Now Abnerconferredwiththe eldersof Israeland said,“In the pastyou soughtDavidas your king.18Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’ ”…
Cross References Genesis 49:10The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.
1 Samuel 16:1Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”
1 Samuel 16:12-13So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
1 Samuel 18:16But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back.
1 Samuel 24:20Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.
1 Samuel 25:30When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel,
1 Samuel 28:17He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.
2 Samuel 5:2Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”
2 Samuel 7:12-16And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. ...
1 Chronicles 11:1-3Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.
1 Chronicles 12:38All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.
Psalm 2:6-8“I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” / I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. / Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.
Isaiah 9:6-7For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
Isaiah 11:1-5Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit. / The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. / And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, ...
Jeremiah 23:5-6Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
Treasury of Scripture And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, You sought for David in times past to be king over you: Jump to Previous AbnerAforetimeChiefCommunicationConferredConsultationDavidDesireEldersHeretoforeIsraelPastSeekingSoughtTalkTimeTimesWantedWordJump to Next AbnerAforetimeChiefCommunicationConferredConsultationDavidDesireEldersHeretoforeIsraelPastSeekingSoughtTalkTimeTimesWantedWord2 Samuel 3 1.During the war David becomes stronger2.Six sons are born to him in Hebron6.Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth7.revolts to David13.David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal17.Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed22.Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner28.David curses Joab31.and mourns for AbnerNow Abner conferred with the elders of IsraelAbner, the commander of Saul's army, was a powerful and influential figure in Israel. His decision to confer with the elders signifies a pivotal moment in the transition of power from the house of Saul to David. The elders of Israel were leaders and representatives of the tribes, and their support was crucial for any king. This meeting indicates Abner's recognition of David's growing influence and the need for a unified Israel under a legitimate king. Historically, such councils were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where tribal leaders played significant roles in governance. and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.
This phrase acknowledges the previous desire of the Israelites to have David as their king, even during Saul's reign. David's reputation as a warrior and leader was well-established, especially after his victory over Goliath and his successes in battle. The people's earlier inclination towards David reflects the divine anointing he received through the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). This moment also highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to David, as the tribes of Israel begin to recognize him as their rightful leader. The reference to past desires underscores the continuity of God's plan and the eventual establishment of David's kingdom, which is a type of the eternal kingdom of Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbnerThe commander of Saul's army and a significant political figure in Israel. He initially supported Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, but later shifted his allegiance to David. 2. Elders of IsraelLeaders and representatives of the tribes of Israel. They held significant influence and were responsible for making decisions on behalf of the people. 3. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, chosen by God to lead His people. At this point, he was ruling over Judah while the rest of Israel was under Ish-bosheth's rule. 4. IsraelThe united tribes of God's chosen people. At this time, they were divided between those loyal to David and those loyal to Saul's house. 5. Ish-boshethThe son of Saul, who was made king over Israel by Abner after Saul's death. His reign was marked by conflict and division. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe shift in allegiance from Abner and the elders of Israel to David underscores God's sovereign plan in establishing leaders. Believers can trust that God is in control of leadership transitions. Unity Among God's PeopleThe desire of the elders to have David as king reflects a longing for unity. Christians are called to seek unity within the body of Christ, setting aside divisions for the sake of God's kingdom. The Role of Influence and CounselAbner's role in persuading the elders highlights the power of influence and counsel. Believers should seek godly wisdom and counsel in their decisions and be mindful of the influence they have on others. Fulfillment of God's PromisesThe elders' acknowledgment of David as king points to the fulfillment of God's promises. Christians can find assurance in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in their lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:17?
2.How does 2 Samuel 3:17 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Israel's leadership transition?
3.What role does unity play in achieving God's purposes in 2 Samuel 3:17?
4.How can we apply Abner's call for unity in our church communities today?
5.What scriptural connections exist between 2 Samuel 3:17 and God's covenant with David?
6.How does 2 Samuel 3:17 encourage us to trust God's timing in leadership?
7.How does 2 Samuel 3:17 reflect God's plan for Israel's leadership transition?
8.What historical context surrounds the events in 2 Samuel 3:17?
9.How does 2 Samuel 3:17 demonstrate God's sovereignty in political affairs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3?
11.How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?
12.Who was Abner in the Bible?
13.What happened between David and Ish-bosheth?
14.2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?What Does 2 Samuel 3:17 Mean Now AbnerAbner was Saul’s cousin and commander of Saul’s army (1 Samuel 14:50;2 Samuel 2:8). After Saul’s death he propped up Ish-bosheth as a rival king to David, but that arrangement was fragile (2 Samuel 2:10). Here, the narrative pivots. The once-unyielding general recognizes God’s unfolding plan for David and begins to act on it.Psalm 33:10-11 reminds us that while human plans shift, “the counsel of the LORD stands forever.” Abner’s change of heart highlights that truth: • He moves from resisting David to facilitating David’s reign. • He illustrates how even powerful leaders are ultimately subject to God’s sovereign agenda (Proverbs 21:1).
Conferred with the elders of IsraelThe elders were tribal leaders who represented their people (Exodus 3:16;1 Samuel 8:4). Abner’s meeting signals a political and spiritual turning point: • By consulting the elders, Abner acknowledges their authority and seeks a united decision (Deuteronomy 1:13). • His initiative nudges the northern tribes toward embracing the king God had already chosen (1 Samuel 16:1, 13). • The gathering contrasts with earlier fragmentation under Saul’s house (2 Samuel 2:9). God is knitting the kingdom back together (Ezekiel 37:22 foreshadows this unity).
And saidAbner doesn’t merely put out feelers; he speaks decisively. His words carry weight because he had been the architect of Ish-bosheth’s regime.Proverbs 25:11 pictures a “word fitly spoken” as gold apples in silver settings—Abner’s statement is that kind of pivotal utterance: • It publicly affirms what many already sensed: David is God’s choice (2 Samuel 3:18). • It offers the elders a chance to align their loyalty with God’s will, avoiding further bloodshed (2 Samuel 2:26-27).
In the past you sought DavidAbner appeals to their memory: • The tribes had celebrated David’s victories over Philistines (1 Samuel 18:6-7). • Saul himself admitted David would be king (1 Samuel 24:20; 26:25). • The seven-and-a-half-year delay (2 Samuel 2:11) reveals how long they had desired David yet hesitated. By invoking that earlier desire, Abner stirs dormant conviction, much like Paul reminding Timothy of earlier commitments (2 Timothy 1:5-6).
As your kingHere Abner voices the core issue—kingship. God had declared David’s kingship years before (1 Samuel 16:1, 13). Abner now invites the elders to act: • Recognize David not only as a capable leader but as God’s anointed (2 Samuel 5:1-3). • Receive the blessings tied to that obedience—peace, unity, and victory over enemies (2 Samuel 3:18; 8:1-14). • Step out of a divided past into God’s promised future, echoingJoshua 1:9’s call to courage.
summary2 Samuel 3:17 records a watershed moment: the former opponent of David now persuades Israel’s elders to embrace the king God had appointed all along. Abner’s shift underscores divine sovereignty; the elders’ consultation spotlights communal responsibility; the reminder of past longing presses the necessity of obedience. When leaders and people align with God’s revealed will, discord yields to unity and promise gives way to fulfillment. (17) Ye sought for David.-- 1Samuel 18:6-7; 1Samuel 18:16; 1Samuel 18:30; 1Chronicles 11:1-3 (comp. 2Samuel 3:36), sufficiently testify to the great popularity of David throughout the nation, and its confidence in his prowess and wisdom. It was the influence and activity of Abner that had hitherto prevented his general recognition as king. Verse 17. - And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel. Most probably this had taken place before Abner escorted Michal to Hebron, and that he paid David but one visit - that recorded in ver. 20. He would probably not take so decided a step as the surrender of Michal without sounding the elders, that is, the local sheikhs, and finding out how far they were inclined to support David as king of all Israel. When everything was ready he would take Michal to Hebron, and so have the opportunity of arranging with David for future action; and though Ishbosheth would dislike the matter and suspect Abner of ulterior purposes, yet he could not refuse so specious a plea as the escorting of his sister. His previous failure, too, had taught him that Abner was master. We may further be sure that David had everywhere many adherents. All Israel knew that he was marked out by prophecy to be their king, and, moreover, "all Israel and Judah loved him" ( 1 Samuel 18:16). But when Abner says, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you, he makes it probable that, at some time after the defeat at Gilboa, the attempt had even been made to elect David king. But Abner had then opposed it, and his success in resisting the Philistines, and David's unfortunate entanglement with those inveterate enemies of Israel, had made the attempt fail. And now Abner's attempt was to be equally unsuccessful.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Now Abnerאַבְנֵ֣ר(’aḇ·nêr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74:Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite nameconferredוּדְבַר־(ū·ḏə·ḇar-)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causewithעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withthe eldersזִקְנֵ֥י(ziq·nê)Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2205:Oldof Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descand said,לֵאמֹ֑ר(lê·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, say“In the pastתְּמוֹל֙(tə·mō·wl)Adverb
Strong's 8543:Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterdayyou soughtמְבַקְשִׁ֧ים(mə·ḇaq·šîm)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1245:To search out, to strive afterDavidדָּוִ֛ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesseas your king.לְמֶ֖לֶךְ(lə·me·leḵ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A king
Links 2 Samuel 3:17 NIV2 Samuel 3:17 NLT2 Samuel 3:17 ESV2 Samuel 3:17 NASB2 Samuel 3:17 KJV
2 Samuel 3:17 BibleApps.com2 Samuel 3:17 Biblia Paralela2 Samuel 3:17 Chinese Bible2 Samuel 3:17 French Bible2 Samuel 3:17 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Samuel 3:17 Abner had communication with the elders (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
